Monday, December 7, 2009

The Best Of New Orleans, 2009

BEST TEASER FOR A MUSIC-DRIVEN, SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS DOCUMENTARY CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION THAT, WITH A LITTLE TENDER-LOVING SEED MONEY FROM A SHREWD INVESTOR, IS GOING TO MAKE SOMEONE LOOK REALLY SMART AND PROBABLY A LOT OF MONEY AT SUNDANCE:

"A TASTE OF HEAVEN: The Heartbreak Life of Raymond Myles, Gospel Genius of New Orleans."

Directed by Raymond's producer, Leo Sacks, it was a finalist this fall at the Paley Center for the Media's annual competition for documentaries seeking completion budgets. You can see the teaser at www.raymondmylesmovie.com

As Leo writes: "With its unique combination of riveting, uplifting and poignant gospel music, gripping life story, and fresh perspective on culture, society and religion, A TASTE OF HEAVEN takes us on Raymond's dramatic journey from a childhood of abject poverty to the brink of international music stardom -- a journey cut short when he was murdered during a carjacking in October 1998. Supported by Raymond's own eye-popping performances, the film also lifts the veil on homosexuality’s taboo status in the black church where Raymond struggled for acceptance and fulfillment but instead faced rejection by intolerant members of a community he considered his own."

By the way, Raymond should have been at the sessions for "Sing Me Back Home" by the New Orleans Social Club, which Leo produced after Katrina. But, then again, he was -- in spirit and in memory. There were many post-Katrina tributes, none of which captured the heartbreak, loss, and sense of brotherhood as "Sing Me Back Home,"still one of the greatest collections of music ever assembled. You can see a film about the making of that singular, heartbreaking, defiant, and criminally overlooked masterpiece at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ARmcd0r55I

BEST NEW ORLEANS RECORDS OF 2009

And now, here is, Chris Joseph, head honcho of Threadhead Records, Environmental Consultant disguised as a mild mannered pseudo Record Company Executive, and whom I like to call the "Ahmet Ertegun of Yogini Record Men," with his list of the Best New Orleans Records of 2009.

I'd like to add that though 5 of Joseph's Top 10 are indeed on Threadhead Records, it shouldn't change the fact the records themselves capture the spirit, love and charm of New Orleans like no others. Kudos to both the artists, the fans, and everyone behind Threadhead Records for getting this great music out there.

I liked "Our New Orleans," but it was very uneven. Thought the Carol Fran track was especially wonderful. But "Sing Me Back Home" just killed me thru and thru." Boutte singing "This 'bowl' is sinking" in "Why." Cyril singing "This Is My Country." Just so many genuius moments.

I Want Your Records!

I would like to buy your vinyl. If you're not listening to it and it's just gathering dust and taking up room, while you play your CDs and your iPod, please sell it to me. NO collection is too large. Please leave message in chat box or leave a comment on any post.